Welcome to another episode of the GT Podcast with Mulan – a one-stop shop for the Global Times’ take on top China and global news.

In today’s podcast:

China's three-day New Year's Day holidays saw a consumer market boom – a strong signal that China’s economic recovery in 2024 is off to a great start.

Also, during the New Year holidays, cross-border travel saw a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels – another crucial sign that China has emerged from the haze of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A recent Global Times survey showed that nearly 90 percent of Chinese respondents believe US lacks sincerity in improving bilateral ties.

A Malaysian scholar said that the Philippines is unlikely to gain support from other ASEAN countries for its provocative approach in the South China Sea.

The tradition of setting off firecrackers has a long history in China – why it’s important to lift bans.